Catastrophic Landslide Cuts Off Mangan: Road Restoration Underway 

Catastrophic Landslide Cuts Off Mangan: Road Restoration Underway
Sikkim, June 17, 2024
Heavy rainfall since June 11, 2024, has wreaked havoc in North Sikkim, culminating in a devastating landslide on June 13 at 7 am. The deluge severely damaged NH 310A, the crucial road linking Gangtok to Mangan, leaving Mangan completely isolated.
Road and Bridges Department Response
The National Highway wing of the Road and Bridges Department has been actively engaged in addressing the crisis. Chief Engineers, Assistant Engineers (AE), and Junior Engineers (JE) have been on-site since the calamity struck, closely monitoring the situation and directing the restoration efforts.
Evacuation and Rescue Operations
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been tirelessly working to evacuate stranded tourists and assist in rescue operations. Heavy machinery, including excavators stationed at key locations, has been mobilized to clear landslides and facilitate rescue efforts.
Ministerial Visits and Ongoing Efforts
Several high-profile visits have underscored the gravity of the situation:
- The Minister for Social Welfare visited on June 14.
- The Minister for Tourism, T.T. Bhutia, visited on June 15.
- The Minister for Road and Bridges inspected the damage on June 16.
- The Minister for Forests has been actively involved since June 13.
Impact and Recovery
The landslide has claimed three lives and caused significant property damage. Restoration work on NH 310A has been conducted with urgency, particularly at critical points such as Phensong and Namak Nalla. By the evening of June 13, partial road connectivity was restored up to the Rangrang graveyard.
Efforts to reconnect Mangan and Ambhithang began on June 14, with the road being accessible by June 16. Additional collaboration with the PMGSY wing of the RD Department facilitated the clearance of the damaged Goshkan Dara stretch, reopening the road to traffic by June 16.
Current Status and Future Plans
Work continues to ensure full connectivity to Mangan. Restoration of the road over Ambhithang Khola is expected to be completed by June 17, allowing light traffic to resume and facilitating further rescue and evacuation operations beyond Mangan.
The state remains committed to overcoming this natural disaster, ensuring safety and mobility for its residents and visitors.